Selling+Indugences-An+Interpersonal+Activity+Design

=Corruption in the Medieval Church= by Juliana Liebke

Purpose
Seventh grade social studies students will experience a chance to improve their academic grade through monetary gifts. The purpose of this is to gain a first-hand experience and understanding with the selling of indulgences by the medieval Church.

Time Required
This activity takes about an hour from the set-up to the debrief or 1 class period.

Number of Participants
A class of 20-40 students is needed for optimal results.

Supplies Needed

 * Reading: Reformation Begins[[file:The Reformation Begins.doc]]
 * Reading: [[file:Protestant Reformation.doc]]
 * [[file:Corruption_quiz.doc]]
 * Scratch paper as cover sheets for the quiz
 * [[file:Corruption memo.doc]] that looks like it’s from the administrators, which says students will have the option to purchase academic points for $1/point
 * Several bills in different denominations of $1, $5, $10, and $20
 * Certificates of [[file:Purchase Points.doc]]
 * Debrief questions

Preparation
1. Class set of readings titled “The Reformation Begins” 2. “Corruption in the Medieval Church” quiz (enough for class) 3. About 50 “Purchase Points” certificates made

Introduction
“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Please look at the reading, ‘The Reformation Begins.’ Now, read ‘The Reformation Begins’ silently for 10 minutes.”

Process
Allow students to read this for 10 minutes and pass out scratch paper. Pull a couple of students aside (sneak this as much as possible). Give students some money and instruct them to “buy” points in front of the class when the opportunity presents itself. Have students turn in the reading and pass out the quiz, tell students:

“You will now take a quiz. Be sure to put your name on top and keep your answers covered with the scratch paper provided.”

Now, pass out a “Purchase Point Certificate” to each student. The quiz is designed to set students up to fail. Perhaps a few will pass, but very few. After 10 minutes, call time.

Have students switch papers and go over the quiz (5 min.). Now, have students get their own quizzes back.

Read the Memo. (3 min)

Ask, “Is there anyone who wants to purchase points?” You will now collect the “Purchase Points” certificates along with the money students offer and answer questions students may have without letting on that it’s a joke. This portion takes a good 10 minutes. Students will fuss about this and ask questions. Be sure to play along for awhile. Announce out loud who has purchased points and how many. Show off the money you have made. When the time is right, let students know the whole thing was a joke and return the money. Pass out and discuss the debrief questionnaire.

Debrief
• How did you feel when the memo was read? • What did you like about the policy? Dislike? • Do you think this policy is justifiable? Why or why not? • How did you feel when I supported the policy? • How did you decide whether to purchase points?



Credits
This activity was inspired by Teachers Curriculum Institute (TCI). I’ve expanded on it and changed some things, but the general idea is theirs and is meant to teach connect students with the concept of the selling of indulgences by the medieval Church.